(Washington, DC) - Congressman Herger today joined Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works John P. Woodley, Jr. and local flood control officials in touring the new Bear River levee setback, an integral component of the larger Yuba River Basin project.   When fully implemented, this project will significantly improve the flood protection for Yuba County residents.  Herger made the following comment regarding the tour: 

 "As a Yuba-Sutter native who has witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences caused by large scale flooding, I believe protecting at-risk communities must be one of our nation's top priorities.  I'm pleased the top official in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers met with our community leaders and me to discuss the flood-related challenges that our area faces." 
Secretary Woodley added, "Today marks a significant achievement in public safety and flood damage reduction for the residents along the Bear River. The completion of this 1.8-mile-long levee will provide 200-year certified flood protection while upholding the values of the river habitat thanks to the successful coordination between the Corps, State of California and Yuba County Water Agency."

Herger concluded, "I want to thank Secretary Woodley for accepting my invitation to visit regions in the North State that are especially vulnerable to flooding.  This week's tours and briefings are providing the Secretary with a firsthand look at the threats the communities in this area face and the need to enhance flood protection structures.  I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Woodley in Washington, D.C. and local flood control leaders in Yuba and Sutter Counties to advance projects that will bolster flood protection for residents in this area."